Contents

Col. Rodin: We are not terrorists, you understand. We are patriots. Our duty is to the soldiers who've died fighting in Algeria, and to the three million French citizens who have always lived there.

The Jackal: And so you want to get rid of him.

Col. Rodin: [after a pause] Speaking as a professional, do you think it's possible?

The Jackal: It's possible. The point is getting away with it. And speaking as a professional, that's a very important consideration.

The Jackal: You see, gentlemen, not only have your own efforts failed, but you've rather queered the pitch for everyone else.

Casson: How dare you suggest that?

The Jackal: In this work you simply can't afford to be emotional. That's why you've made so many mistakes.

Col. Rodin: But if we decided to employ a professional...

The Jackal: You have to employ a professional. Your organization is so riddled with informants that nothing you decide is a secret for long.

The Jackal: Half a million. In cash. Half in advance, and half on completion.

Montclair: Half a million francs?

The Jackal: Dollars.

Montclair: Are you mad?

The Jackal: Considering you expect to get France in return, I'd have thought it a reasonable price.

The Gunsmith: Over what range will you fire?

The Jackal: I'm not sure yet but probably not more than 400 feet.

The Gunsmith: Will the gentleman be moving?

The Jackal: Stationary.

The Gunsmith: Will you go for a head shot or a chest shot?

The Jackal: Probably head.

The Gunsmith: What about the chance of a second shot?

The Jackal: Well I might get the chance but I doubt it. In any event I'll need a silencer to escape.

The Gunsmith: In that case you'd better have explosive bullets. I can prepare a handful along with the gun.

The Jackal: Glycerin or mercury?

The Gunsmith: Oh mercury... much cleaner.

Caron: But no crime has been committed yet, so where are we supposed to start looking for the criminal?

Lebel: We start by recognizing that, after De Gaulle, we are the two most powerful people in France.

Mallinson: The prime minister?

Insp. Thomas: The prime minster, sir. That he said if there's the remotest possibility of General de Gaulle's life being threatened by a person of these islands, then it is to be stopped. And he's given me full powers and top priority.